Morrisons said the figures showed it needed to improve its promotions.

It also said that they showed the importance of online shopping, which Morrisons does not offer.

"Notwithstanding these difficult market conditions, which we expect to continue through 2013, our sales performance in the period was disappointing," the retailer said in a statement.

"This reflects both the need to improve our promotional innovation and the communication of our points of difference... and the accelerating importance of other channels, such as online and convenience, which Morrisons has only recently entered."

Morrisons is the UK's fourth largest supermarket group, and plans to have opened 70 convenience stores by the end of the year.

Ant and Dec

Bill Grimsey, former chief executive of Wickes and Iceland, says the High Street's days are numbered

The High Street's days are numberedBill Grimsey, Former chief executive, Wickes and Iceland